On Heels of Haitian Election Run-Off, Diverse Organizations Combine for “Haiti Advocacy Day”
From Lobbying Sessions to a Photo Exhibit, Advocates Press for Just Reconstruction in Haiti
Washington, DC – The Haiti Advocacy Working Group, a gathering of advocates for a just reconstruction and development process in Haiti, will hold a “Haiti Advocacy Day” on March 30, bringing together Haitian grassroots leaders, Diaspora members and the international NGO community.
With the March 20 runoff elections still being decided and a new government poised to take power, US policy towards Haiti is more important than ever. Hence, advocates, including more than 50 visiting members of Haitian grassroots, civil society and Diaspora leaders will meet with key leaders from Congress and the Obama Administration, including Thomas Adams, Haiti Special Coordinator for the US Department of State.
Media are invited to:
• Attend a press gathering from 8:45-9:30 am at the House Rayburn Building Room 2456 on Tuesday, March 29 to interview representatives of the Haiti Advocacy Working Group and visiting Haitian civil society and Diaspora leaders.
• Attend a reception with Haitian grassroots, civil society and Diaspora leaders at 5:30 pm in House Rayburn B340 on Wednesday, March 30. The theme is Ayiti Leve Kanpe, meaning, Haiti Will Rise. Members of Congress are expected to make remarks, and advocates will be available for interviews.
• Visit a photo and story exhibit illustrating the journey of Haitians since the earthquake in the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer from March 28-30. This exhibition captures the ongoing plight of Haitians, their spirit of perseverance, and how grassroots and other civil society leaders are striving to rebuild a more equitable Haiti.
More than one year after the devastating earthquake on January 12, 2010, conditions in Haiti remain dire. Today there are approximately 800,000 displaced Haitians and the lack of food, clean water, and other necessities is an ongoing crisis throughout the country. The cholera epidemic has claimed the lives of more than 4,672 Haitians and hospitalized 252,640 others.
The Haiti Advocacy Working Group focuses on immediate areas of development and reconstruction in Haiti, including agriculture, shelter and land rights, immigration, gender-based violence, democracy and governance, as well as the role of International Finance Institutions in Haiti. The group will work with visiting Haitian civil society and Diaspora leaders to discuss these important issues with key US government leaders on Wednesday.
Haitian Civil Society and Diaspora Participants: Louisiane Nazaire – KONAFAP (National Coordinating Committee of Peasant Women) Daphney Jacques – Fondasyon Limyè Lavi (Light of Life Foundation) Jean Robert Pierre – COZPAM (Community Organizations of the Port-au-Prince Metropolitan Zone)Sonia Pierre – MUHDA Hans Garoute – INDEPCO Dr. Joseph Baptiste – Haiti Federation Marie St. Fleur – Former MA State Rep. Major Joseph Bernadel – IHRC Board Leoni Hermantin – Lambi Fund Kysseline Chérestal – Haiti Federation Jeremy Dupin – Al Jazeera Sara Siebert – Limye Lavi Marie Andree St Aubin – ActionAid Haiti Camille Chalmers – PAPDA Rosy Auguste – National Human Rights Defense Reginald Dupont – SEROvie Mario LaMothe— SEROvie Ghemps Desauguste – ActionAid Haiti
For a full schedule, visit www.actionaid.org or call Patricia Brooks at (202) 351-1757 to arrange an interview with any of the above Haitian civil society and Diaspora participants.
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The Haiti Action Working Group includes: ActionAid USA, American Jewish World Service, Center for Economic and Policy Research, Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Environmental Justice Initiative in Haiti, GBCS of the United Methodist Church, Gender Action, Grassroots International, Haitian Federation, Haiti Fund at the Boston Foundation, Haiti Reborn, Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, Independent Advocate, International Housing Commission, International Rescue Committee, Lambi Fund, LAWG, Mennonite Central Committee, Oxfam America, Refugees International, TransAfrica Forum, and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. Contact: Patricia Brooks, 202-351-1757